SE Ohio Times

State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) voted in favor of an Ohio House resolution supporting Israel in response to the recent attacks by Hamas on the State of Israel. The attacks have resulted in casualties and an ongoing conflict, prompting Ghanbari to express his unwavering support for Israel and call for thoughts and prayers for those affected.

"I'm proud to stand with the people of Israel," Ghanbari stated. "The Ohio House stands against the attacks committed by the terrorist organization. It's important we keep them in our thoughts and prayers as we extend our unwavering support for them."

The Ohio State Senate has also taken action by passing a resolution denouncing the terrorist attacks on Israel. The resolution, passed on October 7, 2023, expresses sympathy for the civilians affected by the act of terrorism and reaffirms the strong connections between Ohio and Israel. It also condemns Hamas and its allies, including Iran, for their attack on Israel and its people. Copies of the resolution will be sent to various authorities, including the U.S. President and Israeli Embassy, for official transmission, as well as to Ohio's news media for public awareness.

The Ohio Senate GOP has shown unanimous support for Israel, with Senate Resolution 214 condemning the terror attacks and declaring support for the people of Israel.

The recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas has seen continuous attacks from both sides. Historically, these confrontations have resulted in a higher number of Palestinian casualties compared to Israeli deaths. In the most recent conflict in 2021, triggered by an Israeli police raid, 349 Palestinians, including children, were killed compared to 11 Israeli deaths. The United Nations has verified these casualties, documenting the human toll of the conflicts since 2008.

On October 7, 2023, Israel evacuated civilians from 24 villages near the Gaza border, indicating potential military operations in the Palestinian coastal territory. Israeli fighter jets also targeted Hamas military sites near the barrier separating Israel from Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip. This significant assault by Hamas marked one of the most intense attacks in five decades. The conflict has resulted in a substantial loss of life in Israel and significant Palestinian casualties. The Palestinian territory of Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade since 2007, restricting imports and the movement of its inhabitants.